Timing Belt Round 2

[jackcolorado]

I have a 1999 Passat 1.8T. 150K on it. I have had all the problems you can read about here. Control arms, tie rod ends, CV joints, electronic windows, etc. Overall it has been good. And the payment is great (paid off)!!

I am wondering 2 things:
1. Right lower (I think) control arm is making lots of noise. Everything looks good under there. I had it up on front wheel risers, and could feel the vibration on the lower control arm when I push the car up and down, so I am pretty positive it is that. Is it dangerous to not fix?

2. Had the timing belt done the first time around 80K miles. What is people experience with doing it a second time? I assume it is almost due. Not sure how much money I want to put into it, so I want to squeeze it out as long as I can.

Overall good car. No engine problems (use full syn oil, and VW plugs, frequent air filter changes), and it is a tank in the snow with a set of snow tires on it.

[veedubmechanic]

those bananna shaped control arm bushings are noisey. You can get an entire new set on ebay for about 560 including all hardware all 8 control arms and 2 heavy duty tie rods. The the arm at the dealer is about 360.00

The t-belt should be replaced every 80k and is uaually a 800-1000 job with all the belts and rollers and tensioners.